Bid upgrades with Air Canada are a great alternative to fly comfortably at a lower cost, and it is offered by most airlines worldwide. Since Air Canada has a very good system with eUpgrades and it's very easy to earn points, I would prefer the more predictable options.

Whether an upgrade on Air Canada is "worth it" in 2026 depends on the specific product being offered: Signature Class, Premium Economy, or North American Business Class. For long-haul international flights (e.g., Toronto to Tokyo), upgrading to Signature Class is highly worth it if the price is right, as it offers a full lie-flat pod, gourmet dining, and access to the exclusive Signature Suite lounge. Premium Economy is a solid "middle ground" that provides 7 inches of extra legroom and a larger seat, which is worth it for any flight over 6 hours to avoid "coach cramp." However, for short-haul domestic flights (e.g., Montreal to Toronto), the upgrade to North American Business Class is often not worth the high cash price, as it only offers a wider seat and a meal on a very short flight. The best value is found through "eUpgrades" (for elite members) or by using the "Bid Upgrade" system 48 hours before the flight, where you can often secure a premium seat for a fraction of the standard retail price.